Bishop McDevitt tops Delco Christian in District 1/12 Class A final

HORSHAM >> There are certain qualities that football teams want and need if a deep playoff run is in store.

Bishop McDevitt seemingly has all of them as it claimed the District 1/12 Class A subregion championship Friday night, the Lancers winning in easy fashion 21-9 over Delco Christian at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

Over the course of the past couple weeks, McDevitt coach Pat Manzi has spoken about how his team is maturing at the right time which has led to them having its best practices of the season the past three weeks or so. That’s just one of the things that the Lancers have going for them right now.

Bishop McDevitt quarterback Max Bryson dives into the end zone during the District 1/12 Class A subregional final against Delco Christian on Friday, Nov. 20, 2015. (Bob Raines/Montgomery Media)

“Their practice and their work ethic, that’s what’s really paying off now,” Manzi said. “I think they see the connection now more than ever between the two.”

The Lancers have their best players playing their best ball. The target on the backs of Dontae Mason, Vince Dileo, Jaron Macon and Max Bryson could not be any bigger. And the four couldn’t be responding better as they continue to guild McDevitt on its great run.

Of course the skilled quartet would not be able to move the ball without the much improved play of the offensive line. The Lancers only have one senior on either the offensive or defensive line and with youth comes inexperience which was obvious early in the season.

In recent weeks, the line play of McDevitt has grown to become a dominant force as the Lancers have imposed its will late in ball games and run out the clock while early in games help open big leads with big holes.

“In the beginning it was more (a question of) chemistry,” sophomore right guard Nasir Pettus said. “Now we’ve all grown up, we know what it’s like to play.”

McDevitt takes on a tough regular season schedule which is a difficult balance for the Lancers because while playing AAA and AAAA talent during the regular season helps battle test them it puts them at risk of getting injured. The Lancers are battle tested and healthy.

“I think it helps us the fact that we play AAA and AAAA teams,” Manzi said. “We play some pretty talented [teams] so I think it helps us prepare.”

As McDevitt hits the PIAA Class A playoffs like a steaming locomotive it has nearly everything it could want going in its favor. With the confidence nearly as high as possible the Lancers will be a difficult out in the state playoffs.

“We’re feeling really confident but just like every team is coming for what we want we’re coming for what they want,” Pettus said.